The African American day Parade had 125th street looking like the Hot 97 annual Summer Jam. You know it, everyone trying to look they best. Although the sun was kissing our beautiful black skin to 85 degrees, some brothers and sisters still managed to wear those reserved winter Coogie sweaters but that¹s another story. Let¹s focus on one topic that helped everyone get into the family reunion spirit, the Soul Food.

Just about every 20 feet there was a different food vender. Along both sides of 125th street you saw steam and smelled Caribbean dishes from the various food stands. Some had long lines and some had short ones. One lady who has not missed the parade in ten consecutive years took her friend who was coming for the first time on a hunt for some crabs that were irresistible the previous year. There were a few new venders making their parade debut yet everyone was able to keep similar menus.

Menu

Curry goat, Oxtails, Curry Chicken, Jerk Chicken, Barbecue Chicken, Fried Chicken PPP Hot Fish cakes, Hot Fish Critter, Fish cakes, Sweet Plantain, Peas & Rice,

Macaroni Cheese, Collard Greens, Cabbage, Sweet & Sour Chicken and Codfish.

One of the more established food distributors was. "Jamaican on wheels, known for good food." Sweet & Sour chicken is what keep the line heavy. The cook told me it was the newest item to the menu for the parade.

A gentlemen was kind enough to share with HarlemLive his best combination which is jerk chicken, collard greens, Rice&beans and plantains. "Its finger licking good" he says as he digs in.

There was one vender who stood out from the rest. Instead of oxtails and chicken she distributed large fruit cups, which included bananas, strawberries, kiwi, berries, grapes, pineapple and soy. It was soy good

Among all the dishes served at the parade the African dish Fufu made from yams and vegetable was not appealing to the youthful crowd. It was a learning experience for the younger crowd you know, food for thought.